I have to admit I have bought a few things already this year, and after a year of committing to not buying any clothes, and being a self confessed addict, when I was let loose in 2019, I had to give in to some things, all, until now, second hand or vintage. However, one thing last year has taught me is to slow it down and that second hand/vintage really is one of the best ways going forward to get even close to combatting the trail of damage left by the fashion industry.
Without digressing too much, I don't believe the answer is to not buy anything 'new', as new can have many definitions, from using virgin fibres to re-using used fabrics, to making use of un-used fabrics. Which brings me to Maison Cleo, a mother and daughter team doing exactly the latter, and the brand from whom I've made my first 'new' purchase (of clothing) from this year. If you're interested in particulars then I bought the Agnes blouse, which cost €80 + €28 shipping.
Pictured above is me wearing said blouse, one I chose after following Maison Cleo throughout my year without buying new, and seeing on many an influencer/celebrity and loving how it looked. They have stayed with me, (for over 6 months thinking about it before making the purchase) and I think that is proof enough, plus the other ethical brand credentials (which I will talk about in a sec) for myself to take the plunge when I could. This is my idea of an ‘investment’ piece that will have many many wears, starting with this as the first, and I’ll try my best to document every wear over on my instagram.